2-Bromophenol was reacted in aqueous sodium hydroxide at 200-250 degreesC. The decomposition rate was remarkably faster at 250 degreesC than at 225 or 200 degreesC, and the percentage debromination reached almost 100% in 1 M NaOH at 250 degreesC for 4h. The percentage increased with NaOH concentration over the range 0.1-1 M. Aliphatic compounds, such as 2,2-dimethoxypropane and 4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-pentanone, and aromatic compounds, such as phenol and cresol, were formed as decomposition products. The formation of carboxylic acids, such as formic, acetic, and propionic acids, in the presence of oxygen was also confirmed. Under a nitrogen atmosphere, the oxidation caused by oxygen in solution was suppressed and hydrolysis became the dominant reaction in the decomposition of 2-bromophenol. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.